The 1st edition 25-inch Ordnance Survey map published in 1889 shows and annotates a square lime kiln, at the mouth of the Afon Soch. It remained in use on both the 2nd and 3rd edition maps of 1900 and 1918. It is not depicted on the 1839 tithe map of the parish of Llanengan.

The kiln remains standing and has been conserved. It is a substantial stone structure measuring 10 metres by 7 metres and is constructed onto outcropping rock, it stands over 5 metres high. Two kiln eyes are located on the east and west sides. These are now gated and comprise narrow openings with a flat headed lintels which lead to a passageway at the back of which draw holes connected with the kiln’s crucible. The passageway to the draw hole on the east side of the kiln is much longer than its western counterpart. The kilns crucible is infilled and the top of the kiln is now used as a seating and local history interpretation area.

This was one of two kilns depicted on Ordnance Survey mapping at Abersoch, the second kiln (NPRN 518502) 85 metres to the southwest no longer survives.

Site visit by RCAHMW in July 2024.

Contextual Information 

Lime kilns are a characteristic feature along the coastlines of Wales. They are predominantly of 19th century date, although some were built prior to that, and some continued in use into the 20th century. They were used for burning limestone to make lime for use in agriculture and building. The former through spreading on the fields as a fertiliser and to counteract soil acidity, and the latter to make lime mortar. Their coastal position related to the need in many places to import the limestone for burning, and the culm (coal) that was used for fuel. Proximity to the shoreline reduced the need to move the limestone and coal very far after unloading.

Coastal lime kilns are generally round or square in shape and normally slightly wider than they are tall. They have a conical opening in their top, called a crucible, into which the limestone and culm was layered. Openings on either side, called the kiln eyes, connected to the base of the crucible and served for lighting the kiln and to allow air to be drawn into the crucible. After burning, the lime could be raked out via the kiln eyes. The kiln eyes come in many different shapes and sizes, from arched, to flat-topped, to tall and narrow.

Lime kilns were often constructed in pairs, with a small rectangular cottage for the kiln keepers in between them. At smaller landing places only a single kiln might have been built. In nearly all cases some sort of ramp was needed to carry the limestone and coal to a point where it could be added into the crucible from above. Many lime kilns are found built against the valley sides within coves or harbours, allowing the access ramp to be cut from the adjacent bank side, rather than needing to be built.

Louise Barker, RCAHMW, 16 August 2024.

Sources

National Library Wales: 1839 Tithe map and apportionment for the Llanengan in Carnarvonshire https://places.library.wales/home

OS 1st Edition 25-inch map (published 1889): Caernarvonshire XLV sheet 10.

OS 2nd Edition 25-inch map (published 1900): Caernarvonshire XLV sheet 10.

OS 3rd Edition 25-inch map (published 1918): Caernarvonshire XLV sheet 10.

Cofnod Safle

Lime Kiln 1, Abersoch